Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-11-08T14:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve ever been caught in a seemingly endless traffic jam, you’ve no doubt wondered why there isn’t a better way. In many cities across the country, especially New York and Los Angeles, traffic congestion is a constant headache, inconvenience and frustration for people who are simply trying to get from point A to point B. It also causes air and noise pollution, which are both harmful for people living in the area.

And that’s just everyday traffic. Throw an event like a concert or sports game into the mix, and the problem compounds. According to a new survey by Wired Research*, nearly all of us, 95%, have sat in traffic trying to find a place to park when attending an event. The interminable wait to get out of the parking facility after it’s over is just as bad. About 80% of Americans reported sneaking out early for reasons like avoiding the crowds, traffic and congestion. Any way you look at it, event traffic is a frustration that takes some of the joy out of the event itself. The whole point of attending is to have a good time, right?

A better way is on the planning table in cities nationwide right now, including Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles — aerial gondolas — which allow people to literally rise above the traffic and have a less stressful ride that’s also better for the environment.

Outlined below is a dive into a project called Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART), which is now in the latter stages of planning. This case study will look at what it is, the benefits it will bring to the Los Angeles area and how it can benefit not just local commuters, but people in cities all over the country that suffer from traffic woes, if replicated.

What is LA ART?

Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) is a proposal for a zero emissions aerial gondola system to connect Los Angeles Union Station, Chinatown and Dodger Stadium in seven minutes. It is designed to take thousands of cars off the roads before and after events at Dodger Stadium.

LA ART is a project of Zero Emissions Transit, a supporting non-profit of Climate Resolve. When completed, it will ferry people all along this line, high above Los Angeles traffic.

What are the benefits of the proposed project?

The benefits of this Los Angeles-specific project are many, and it’s easy to see how it can work elsewhere, too.

Zero emissions. The gondola system would run on electricity and produce zero emissions. It means improved air quality because there are no tailpipe emissions, which can lead to fewer respiratory problems and allergies. It also helps mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Once LA ART is up and running, it is projected to cut more than 150,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses.

Traffic reduction. LA ART will take up to 3,000 cars off the roads and out of neighborhoods on game days and special event days, as well as boost public transit ridership all the other days of the year. The reduction in the sheer number of cars on the roads means less noise pollution for people living in those areas.

Accessible and affordable. The gondola will be free to ride for anyone attending a game or special event at Dodger Stadium. And those who live and work in the area can ride for the price of a Metro fare. It’s a huge incentive for people to use this mode of transport.

Connecting communities. Operating 365 days a year, LA ART will serve the communities of El Pueblo, Chinatown, Mission Junction, Solano Canyon and William Meade Homes and provide access to green spaces like Los Angeles State Historic Park and Elysian Park, the oldest and second largest park in Los Angeles and which is not currently served by transit.

A Dodger Stadium connection. A seven-minute ride will connect Southern California’s main transportation hub, Union Station, to Major League Baseball’s, and home of the 2024 World Series Champions most attended venue, Dodger Stadium. LA ART can carry up to 10,000 fans per game, which will reduce air pollution, gridlock and stress. It could really make traffic-free baseball games a reality for Los Angeles.

Active transportation improvements. The project will include enhanced traffic safety measures like pedestrian and ADA improvements, bicycle infrastructure, and lighting to enhance safety.

Business assistance programs. Through partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, LA ART will help to ensure additional marketing and growth opportunities for local businesses along the route.

Will this model work in other cities?

Many cities worldwide have aerial gondola plans on the table right now, and others have been using this model for years.

Paris just gave the green light for an aerial gondola project that would link several outlying but populous neighborhoods in Paris’ southeastern suburbs to the city center. Since 2016, the Mexicable system in Mexico City has connected residents of hard-to-reach hillside neighborhoods to the metropolitan center of the city. In La Paz, Bolivia, an aerial gondola network realized ridership of over 100 million passengers before the pandemic.

In the U.S., the Roosevelt Island Tramway moves more than 2.5 million commuters annually. The Portland Aerial Tram, an aerial tramway in Portland, Oregon, carries close to 1.5 million commuters between the city’s South Waterfront district and the main Oregon Health & Science University campus.

For more information, and FAQs, visit the LA ART website at https://laart.la/ or sign up to support the project at https://www.buildthegondola.org/.

*Online survey conducted by Wired Research to 1,012 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

2024-11-07T11:17:00

(BPT) – Do you use shortcuts to help you save time and energy in the kitchen? If so, you’re in good company. A recent survey conducted by Opinium Research found that 74% of parents confess to using shortcuts like prepared mixes when baking, with more than half of them feeling guilty at least sometimes for doing so! Nearly three-quarters (73%) of parents keep their shortcuts a secret because of feelings of guilt and 49% have admitted to pretending that a store-bought or mix-based item they served to friends or family was scratch-baked.

While 65% of parents use baking mixes to save time, the reasons for keeping these shortcuts under wraps vary widely. Many parents (31%) want to appear as though they are putting in more effort, and 26% fear judgment from other parents.

Ditch the guilt

There’s absolutely no need to feel guilty for using a few shortcuts. Family life and schedules can get hectic — and more than 6 in 10 parents find their baking occasions to be unexpected at least half the time, for anything from unexpected guests (32%) to extracurricular events (30%). Using products that save time, resources and energy lets you focus on the fun parts of baking, like serving them up to family and friends.

To help you conjure up tasty creations in the kitchen with ease— and no need for guilt — here are three hacks to help you embrace your inner baker, even when you’re short on time or ingredients.

1. Make your own cake or cupcake pan liners

When you’re in the middle of baking and realize you’re out of cake or cupcake pan liners, don’t panic — coffee filters can come to the rescue! These handy kitchen staples are a great substitute in a pinch. Simply trim the coffee filters to fit your cake or cupcake pan, and you’ll have instant liners ready to go. This quick fix is a lifesaver for any home baker looking to keep the baking process smooth and stress-free. Plus, coffee filters are often more durable than standard paper liners, making them perfect for holding your sweet treats. If you don’t have coffee filters on hand, parchment paper is another excellent alternative.

2. Brownie and cupcake time savers

Need to whip up a batch of brownies or cupcakes for a quick family dessert or late-night snack? With new Krusteaz Batters, you don’t have to keep your kitchen shortcuts a secret anymore. Trusted for their popular pancake, waffle, muffin and quick bread dry mixes, Krusteaz now offers these refrigerated, just pour and bake, options to jumpstart your kitchen creations:

Chocolate Brownie Batter delivers scratch-like, rich, fudgy and decadent chocolate brownies.

Chocolate Cupcake Batter comes together with premium, moist and fluffy results that taste just like they were made from scratch.

Vanilla Cupcake Batter provides sweet vanilla flavored fluffy and balanced premium cupcakes.

Krusteaz Batters combine uncompromised quality with no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives. Find them in the refrigerated dough section at Kroger family of stores and select Walmart locations.

While they’re perfectly delicious on their own, Krusteaz Batters also offer endless possibilities to make them your own — with mix-ins and toppings, or you can use them as a base for your favorite recipes.

3. Homemade glaze in a flash

Enhance your baked treats like cupcakes, cakes, brownies and pies with this easy homemade glaze recipe. To make a smooth and glossy homemade chocolate glaze, you just need three ingredients: chocolate chips, heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Start by melting chocolate chips in a microwave or a double boiler, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Gradually add cream and salt, stirring the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Finally, pour the glaze over your cake or dip cupcakes into it for a perfect top layer. This glaze is quick and easy to make for any treat, or simply enjoying by the spoonful! This method is not only simple, but kids can get involved and help too!

Using these tips and tricks, it should be a lot easier for you to bake up a storm — and there’s no need to feel bad about taking any shortcuts. It’s likely that nobody will be complaining when they get to sample your tasty baked goods!

2024-11-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Scams are unfortunately a fact of life these days. If it’s not identity or data theft, it’s credit breaches and scam phone calls. Many of us are getting scam texts, too. As the holidays roll in, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) wants you to know we are on the job, working to protect you and your mail and packages.

USPIS’s new holiday campaign, Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams, alerts consumers about crimes that are on the rise this holiday season: counterfeit postage, phishing/smishing, mail and package theft, and letter carrier robberies. It’s all about making sure your holiday season is merry, bright, and safe.

Counterfeit postage

Now is a great time to stock up on stamps so you have them on hand to mail your holiday cards and packages. Looking for Forever Stamps online? You may find some deceptively good deals out there. And that’s the key word: Deceptive. Counterfeit stamps are appearing more and more. If you see stamps at 20% to 50% off their face value, it’s a scam. Fraudsters target consumers online on social media platforms, third-party ecommerce sites, and pop-up ads. These fake, discounted stamps come in a variety of designs that are meant to mimic real postage.

Protect yourself

• Buy your stamps at the post office or from approved postal providers, which include legitimate “big box” retailers.
• Report the sellers of counterfeit stamps at uspis.gov/report.

Phishing/smishing

What’s that? You may have received a text or email about a package delivery gone wrong or unpaid online postage charges. The subject line or headline usually is “Delivery Failure Notification” or something similar. These messages appear to be from the USPS or another government entity, but they’re not. They will likely contain a URL for you to click. If you do, it can activate a virus or lure you into providing personal financial information. If you get a text or email that uses poor grammar, has spelling errors, or asks you for payment or personal information of any kind, it is a scam.

Protect yourself

• Don’t click on any links.
• Block the sender.
• Delete the text or email immediately. If you choose to report it, send USPS-related phishing emails to spam@uspis.gov. You can also send USPS-related smishing texts to 7726. All other phishing/smishing attempts should be reported to the FTC or your local consumer affairs group(s).

Mail and package safety

Thieves are always lurking, getting ready for the busy holiday season, just like you! Your packages may arrive on time but may not truly reach their destination if they’re plucked from the porch before you or your loved ones can get them inside. USPIS takes these cases of package theft very seriously and makes thousands of arrests each year. Thieves commonly cruise neighborhoods at times when people are at work, but they can strike anytime.

Protect yourself

• Don’t leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time. Use USPS Hold Mail service, a delivery locker, or ask a trusted neighbor to grab your package if you are going to be away.
• Request signature confirmation on packages and add package tracking.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• If you move, file a change of address with USPS at www.usps.com and let your financial institutions know as soon as possible.
• If you suspect you may be a victim of mail theft, report it at www.uspis.gov/report.

Letter carrier safety

Thieves are getting bolder. They’re targeting letter carriers and stealing mail, packages, and even employee valuables. USPIS constantly strives to protect those who deliver to your door.

Postal inspectors are on the job, focusing on operations in high-risk areas, increasing awareness through education, and enforcing more than 200 laws designed to protect the nation’s mailstream. Recent operations have led to the arrests of individuals involved in postal-related crimes, and the Postal Inspection Service is committed to making sure every letter carrier returns home safely this holiday season and all year long.

Protect yourself (and your letter carriers!)

• If you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 immediately, then postal inspectors at 877-876-2455.
• Secure packages immediately after delivery.
• Have your local post office hold mail/deliveries if you are going to be away.
• Ensure valuables remain out of sight. Whether on your person or at your front door, your valuables are a target for thieves who are always on alert for their next opportunity.

For more information on what postal inspectors are doing to protect employees and customers, visit Project Safe Delivery – United States Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov).

Holiday cheer is coming your way this season in the form of cards, letters, and packages. By working together to prevent scams and theft, we can all ensure the season is merry and bright.

2024-11-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – Thanksgiving is a holiday known for indulging with family and friends. While traditional dishes are always a hit, a few fresh twists can make the meal extra memorable for friends and family. This year, consider adding a little creativity to your Thanksgiving lineup with simple but flavorful swaps. Among the easiest ways is to switch up classic sides with slight modifications.

Swap Steamed Carrots for Crispy Parmesan Carrots

While steamed carrots offer a tender texture and mild taste, they can become a little monotonous — especially compared to everything else on your Thanksgiving table. Swapping steamed carrots for Crispy Parmesan Carrots sprinkled with 1/2 cup of Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese can elevate your dish with a delightful crunch and rich flavor to make it a standout side. Plus, this cheesy twist on the traditional dish will appeal to even the pickiest of palates!

Kraft Natural Cheese has been a trusted household name since 1950, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to mealtimes around the world. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Kraft Natural Cheese continues to be the go-to choice for families and food enthusiasts alike with its broad portfolio of natural cheeses including shreds, chunks and slices. As part of the Lactalis Heritage Dairy portfolio of brands, a subsidiary of Lactalis USA which offers an unrivaled collection of dairy brands enjoyed in homes across the United States, Kraft Natural Cheese has more than 150+ years of combined dairy experience reflected in its cheesemaking.

Enhance Roasted Veggies with Fresh Herbs or Citrus

To bring extra flavor to vegetables, swap out a traditional green bean casserole for a tray of roasted vegetables brightened with fresh herbs or citrus zest. Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, and squash roasted with rosemary or thyme and finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest or pomegranate seeds for color and flavor. This simple addition keeps things seasonal and delicious without added effort.

Offer a DIY Dessert Bar

Instead of serving dessert all at once, set up a self-serve dessert bar so guests can enjoy their favorite holiday sweets at their own pace. Lay out small portions of classic Thanksgiving treats, like pumpkin pie slices, mini apple crisps, and cookies. It not only reduces the pressure to plate dessert but also lets guests try a variety of small bites instead of full portions.

Pro Tip: Label each dessert item and provide small plates and napkins. This small touch keeps everything organized and makes the dessert station feel welcoming.

Create a Cozy Ambiance with Simple Decor

Thanksgiving decor doesn’t have to be elaborate to set the mood. Try small touches like unscented candles, mini pumpkins, or a vase of seasonal flowers to keep the vibe warm and welcoming. Scattering small gourds or pinecones along the table can also bring out the season’s natural beauty indoors.

These simple swaps and easy hosting tips can help make Thanksgiving memorable without the stress. With a mix of classic comfort and fresh ideas, you’ll have a holiday that feels both familiar and exciting for everyone around the table.

2024-11-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a great time to take a look back and appreciate everything you have, while also looking forward to the upcoming new year. This also makes it the perfect opportunity to look for ways to clear out some of your kids’ clutter so you can start the next year a little more organized.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way you can give back to other kids throughout the country and declutter your house at the same time. If you’ve got kids who have outgrown some of their favorite LEGO sets, or perhaps have more bricks than they frequently play with, you’ll want to check out a great program that supports sustainability, while also offering toys to children who might otherwise have little or no access to them.

Thanks to the LEGO Replay program, you can easily box up and send in your used LEGO bricks — at no cost to you — so they can be cleaned up and repackaged for community organizations, schools and nonprofits. The program makes it possible for even more kids to have fun while they explore everything LEGO bricks have to offer — powering their imaginations and developing problem-solving skills through active, hands-on play — just as your kids have enjoyed doing while growing up with these favorite toys.

New life for your LEGO bricks

Have any LEGO bricks that you’d like to donate? It’s easy to declutter the kid zones in your home and share the fun at the same time. Simply fill a cardboard box of your choice with your loose, used LEGO bricks, then go online to LEGO.com/replay to print a prepaid label. Then all you have to do is mail it in! The package will go directly to a Lego Replay facility, where the bricks will be individually sorted, inspected by hand, and given a rigorous cleaning.

Your much-loved LEGO bricks will then be repackaged to be sent to educators, schools and charitable organizations. Each LEGO Replay box will include a mix of elements from all sorts of sets, allowing for endless creativity, along with an activity booklet with great building activities for kids to try.

You can be happy knowing that you’re decluttering your home for a more joyful and organized new year, while your actions ensure that even more kids will be able to enjoy playing with these iconic toys for years to come.

Visit LEGO.com/replay to learn more about the program, and how you can participate.

2024-11-05T19:32:43

(BPT) – A staggering 86.9 million U.S. homes share their lives with a beloved pet, according to MarketWatch. From playful personalities to curious instincts, pets enrich our lives by providing companionship, emotional support and a sense of security. Royal Canin, a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in pet health nutrition, invites pet owners to explore these essential tips to help keep their pets healthy and happy.

“As a veterinarian, I see how preventive care can dramatically improve and extend the lives of our pets. I encourage all pet owners to be proactive about their pets’ health to help them remain happy, active members of your lives for years to come,” said Dr. Todd East, DVM, veterinary affairs director, Royal Canin North America.

Navigating all the online resources for pet care can feel overwhelming and it can be tough to know which is best for your pets’ specific needs. To make that journey easier, try these simple yet effective tips so you can help your pet thrive:

• Make sure they are getting the right nutrients from their food based on their stage of life, breed and specific nutritional needs: From a German Shepherd to Yorkshire Terrier or French Bulldog to Labrador Retriever, every pet is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. That means each one requires a specific balance of nutrients to ensure they are maintaining a healthy lifestyle depending on their specific needs and stage of life. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for their recommendation on proper nutrition that’s specific to your pet, like Royal Canin’s tailored nutrition lines.
• Annual visits to the veterinarian are important: Taking your pet to the veterinarian is a great preventive measure to help them stay as healthy as possible. While going to the veterinarian may be a stressful experience for both pets and pet owners, it is essential to ensure no health issues go unnoticed.
• Exercise is key to staying happy and healthy: Let your pets get their energy out! Whether it’s taking them for a walk or letting them run around in the backyard, fresh air and movement can help maintain a healthy weight for your pet, which can reduce the risk of serious conditions associated with obesity.
• Hydration, hydration, hydration: Water is fundamental to your pet’s survival. It is essential for their everyday functions, and many body processes rely on water to work properly. Always take your portable water bowl wherever you go and make sure clean and fresh water is available to your pet every day!
• Don’t forget grooming: Grooming your kitten or puppy is an important part of ownership, and if done gently and patiently, will help you build a bond with your pet. Frequent grooming allows you to recognize any changes to your pet’s body condition, protect them against fleas or ticks, and maintain healthy skin and coat.
• Enhance their overall health with social stimulation and play: In order for your pet to gain independence, it is important to socialize them at a young age. Both kittens and puppies benefit from socialization, as it teaches them how to react in various situations and enhance their brain development.

“I always make sure I am giving my dog, Max, the care he needs in return for all the love and support he provides me,” said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs, Royal Canin North America. “In order to do so, I stay on top of his health to ensure he has what he needs to help him thrive. From the day I brought him home, I made sure he was eating the right foods with tailored nutrients for his unique needs. I also make annual veterinarian visits a priority, focus on preventive care, and never miss our daily walks outside to enjoy the sunshine. And of course, I make sure he gets plenty of playtime in. All these things are important for Max to be the best he can be, day in and day out.”

To continue on your journey of helping your pet with their overall wellness, check out Royal Canin’s pet food finder so you can ensure you are feeding them the right diet based on their specific needs and stage of life.

2024-11-05T07:43:00

(BPT) – Many parents feel a natural inclination to fill their children’s days with activities, often fearing that too much unstructured playtime will lead to boredom. In a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Kiddie Academy^®, nearly half (45%) of all parents feel like they should be doing more activities with their kids. However, many experts agree that children being bored from time to time may not be a bad thing. In fact, brain development and many other outcomes happen when children have unstructured time to engage in imaginative, open-ended play.

“Boredom will naturally occur with children at times,” said Joy Turner, vice president of education at Kiddie Academy. “Parents shouldn’t put so much stress on themselves to fill that space.”

Boredom expands imagination and creativity

When children say they’re bored, parents often default to using screentime or engaging them in play. Thirty-four percent of parents surveyed said they typically play with their child in this scenario. This can likely be attributed to 56% of them reporting that they feel guilty for not spending enough time with their little one. However, when children are left to explore in their downtime, their minds can get to work, allowing them to use their imagination to find creative ways to entertain themselves.

Parents can facilitate imaginative play and creative expression by setting up a craft station, creating a reading nook and/or providing toys that allow for open-ended play.

Being bored builds resilience and tolerance

Children can often have big feelings about not having something to do. This is a parent’s opportunity to validate and empower their child. They can say something like, “It’s okay to be bored. Sometimes I feel the same way, but now is your chance to explore and learn what you like to do!” A phrase like this helps little ones understand that while feeling uncomfortable is understandable, it can be used as an opportunity to grow and discover new things about themselves.

Sometimes there isn’t enough time between scheduled activities for little ones to engage in exactly what they want to do. This can be used as an opportunity to build patience and tolerance by encouraging children to move through their feelings with the understanding that waiting isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary part of life. Remind them of things they like to do when they’re being patient, like singing a song or playing with a small toy.

Independence and social skills excel through unstructured time

When children — even those who don’t know each other — are put in close proximity without planned activities, they often engage with each other by inventing games. The skills children develop when they’re free playing with others include things like cooperation, communication and kindness, all of which are essential for long-term socialization.

At the same time, children who have to play by themselves often become more independent. When it’s up to them to provide their own entertainment, they engage in a unique kind of problem solving and creative expression.

Teaching children to embrace unstructured moments when they are without entertainment is crucial to their maturing psyches. When parents support their child in this process, they are sure to see them turn into more capable and self-sufficient human beings as a result.

2024-11-04T12:01:00

(BPT) – Do you love cooking and baking? Are you always looking for tasty new additions to your kitchen toolkit? If so, you may want to know about a great ingredient for your pantry: almond oil. By cooking, baking or finishing dishes with almond oil, you’ll be introducing a boost of nutty, delicious flavor to your sweet and savory recipes, along with many potential health benefits.

The benefits of almond oil

With a low-to-medium smoke point of 425F, almond oil can be used to sauté, marinate, dress, bake or finish a wide variety of dishes. Its mild, nutty and toasty flavor adds a touch of sweetness — without overpowering the natural flavors of your favorite foods.

If you’re interested in trying this oil in your kitchen, consider SunnyGem Almond Oil, which is 100% virgin and cold-pressed, using only unrefined almonds from California, with no preservatives or other additives. SunnyGem Almond Oil is also non-GMO, vegan, kosher and gluten-free, as well as being lower in calories and saturated fats than other cooking oils. Because it’s derived from almonds, which are known as a “superfood,” you can feel good knowing this almond oil is naturally rich in antioxidants like vitamin E (great for supporting skin and hair health), Omega 6 fatty acids and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

How to use almond oil in your kitchen

In general, you can use almond oil just like you would use any other cooking oil in your pantry. However, you may find certain dishes benefit more from the unique flavor it provides. Here are a few recipes developed by the flavor experts at SunnyGem Almond Oil to get you started.

Almond Butter Cake
Celebrating the sweet and rich flavor of almonds, this cake would beautifully grace your table for any special occasion, family get-together, lunch or brunch. Feel free to decorate your cake with toasted sliced almonds and powdered sugar for an especially elegant presentation.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup SunnyGem Almond Oil
1/3 cup almond butter
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray bottom and sides of round cake pan with vegetable spray. Use parchment paper on bottom of pan.
In mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir to combine.
In microwave-safe bowl, combine SunnyGem Almond Oil and almond butter. Heat in microwave in 30-second increments until almond butter is smooth enough to stir. Stir to combine.
Add water, vanilla and apple cider vinegar to almond butter mixture. Stir to combine.
Pour almond butter mixture in with flour. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Pour this batter into prepared cake pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until tester comes out clean.
Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely.

Almond Oil Crinkle Cookies
Everyone in your family will love these irresistible, easy-to-make cookies. Best yet, you can store them in an airtight container to maintain their chewy, fudgy texture for days!

Ingredients
1 cup SunnyGem Almond Oil
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In mixing bowl, whisk together almond oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla.
In separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet and mix with spatula until soft dough forms.
Using scoop (such as a 2-inch ice cream scoop) place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies have cracked and edges are golden brown and set.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Makes 20-24 cookies.

Almond Oil Salad Dressing
This quick and easy salad dressing will tantalize your taste buds with its sweet, tangy flavor. You can use it immediately or store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Ingredients
1 small shallot, diced
1/3 cup SunnyGem Almond Oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions
Puree shallot, almond oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in blender or mini prep, or with an immersion blender in a large cup until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Excited to give almond oil a try? Discover more recipe inspiration at SunnyGemOil.com, on Instagram and TikTok. You can find your new pantry staple on the SunnyGem website, on Amazon, at Publix and HyVee stores nationwide, and regional retailers including Save Mart and Nugget Markets.

2024-11-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

A sudden type 1 diabetes diagnosis can turn someone’s world completely upside down. As individuals and their loved ones grapple with this new reality, many will face a mix of emotions: fear, uncertainty for the future, or regret about not learning sooner about their potential risk factors of developing the disease.

Christel Oerum has experienced these feelings firsthand. Just six months before a long-awaited trip to India, she was diagnosed unexpectedly with type 1 diabetes after her aunt noticed something wasn’t quite right; Oerum kept falling asleep at family gatherings and her aunt encouraged Oerum to go to the doctor who diagnosed her with the disease. Following her diagnosis, one of Oerum’s first questions to her healthcare provider was, “Can I still travel?” This reflects a common concern among newly diagnosed individuals about how type 1 diabetes may impact not only future plans — like traveling — but also seemingly “simple” aspects of life that one may not think twice about without a chronic autoimmune disease.

After her diagnosis, Oerum worked with her healthcare team to learn everything she could about how to live with type 1 diabetes, including how to measure blood sugar levels and manage daily insulin injections. “While I was initially worried about how type 1 diabetes might impact my trip, it quickly became clear to me that I had so much to learn. I really was starting at zero and had little to no knowledge about type 1 diabetes, let alone how to manage it myself. I had to adjust to a ‘new normal’ that would be my reality for the rest of my life because there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.”

Oerum’s story serves as a powerful reminder of why type 1 diabetes awareness and early detection is so critical. Knowing in advance through screening — before symptoms arise and insulin dependence — can give people more time to prepare for how the disease may impact their lives and develop the skills needed to manage type 1 diabetes. The1Pledge.com has useful information about how to start a conversation with your doctor about screening for type 1 diabetes.

“Eventually I realized that I can still live a full life and do the things I want to do with the right planning. I’m so grateful for the support I received from my healthcare team and that I was able to make my trip to India,” Oerum shares. “That said, managing my type 1 diabetes is something I work hard on every day. I wish I had been screened in advance, as knowing sooner, in an earlier stage of type 1 diabetes, may have mitigated some of the initial trauma that I experienced.”

While inevitably adjustments to a “new normal” will need to be made no matter when someone might be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, through early detection and screening, a diagnosis may be less of a shock. With advanced information about a type 1 diabetes diagnosis and subsequent monitoring, people like Oerum can continue to pursue their dreams — whether it’s exploring India or conquering other personal goals. Talk to your doctor about screening for type 1 diabetes.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Christel Oerum is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

2024-11-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – People living with type 1 diabetes live with an invisible burden. Between nonstop checking and balancing blood glucose levels, anxiety about every meal or snack, plus juggling everyday obligations — it’s a lot like constantly trying to keep a balloon in the air, all day, every day.

Kris Leeper knows exactly what that’s like. As an avid traveler, foodie, and golfer, he had a busy, active life at age 26, and considered himself healthy. However, after an unexpected onset of extreme exhaustion, his wife Tierra urged him to seek medical attention. What started as a visit to urgent care quickly escalated to an ER trip, where he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Suddenly, Kris was navigating his everyday life with a new reality — the constant balancing act of managing diabetes.

Every November, the Medtronic Blue Balloon Challenge aims to shine a light on what living with type 1 diabetes is really like for people like Kris. While many people have heard of type 1 diabetes, not everyone truly understands the daily challenges and relentless balancing act required to manage this complex condition around the clock.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, preventing glucose from entering cells and functioning properly. Without proper management, high or low blood glucose can be deadly.

Coping with type 1 diabetes

Because Kris didn’t know anything about type 1 diabetes when he was diagnosed, he had a lot of information to absorb and process.

“It was total sensory overload,” Kris recalled. “This was 2013, and the doctors’ best advice at the time was to ‘eat less, carry around a bottle of insulin and needles, and give myself shots six to seven times a day.’ I was in disbelief.”

Managing all the components of daily treatment along with his busy job and active social life seemed overwhelming. Kris learned the hard way that the need to monitor his blood glucose constantly, plan every meal, and cope with the anxiety that came with it created a significant burden.

“Managing my diabetes is like having two full-time jobs,” added Kris. “The Blue Balloon Challenge is a very accurate representation of what it feels like day in and day out.”

The mental health burden of type 1 diabetes

Managing type 1 diabetes treatment is a constant balancing act that’s invisible to the outside world. In fact, according to the CDC, people with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. These feelings can increase stress levels, which can negatively impact blood glucose and lead to more stress, creating a vicious cycle.

Kris says he’s learned a lot over the years about how to keep that balloon in the air — monitoring all those daily details about his health, while handling the stress and anxiety that comes with it. He has also learned that he can lean on friends, family — especially his wife Tierra — for support.

“Watching my husband navigate the emotional burden of type 1 diabetes, I feel the weight of his struggles deeply. I strive to be his safe haven, reminding him it’s OK to feel overwhelmed,” said Tierra. “Together, we share this journey, finding strength in our love and hope in the smallest victories.”

Support from the type 1 diabetes community

One of the main challenges for people like Kris is that type 1 diabetes is largely an invisible illness, making it hard for others to understand its seriousness. Joining the #BlueBalloonChallenge connects you with a supportive community and highlights the hidden struggles of living with diabetes. For further support, join the Medtronic Champion community — a global network dedicated to helping people navigate the ups and downs of life with diabetes.

Diabetes Awareness Month in November and World Diabetes Day on November 14 provide opportunities to learn about this disease and to highlight champions like Kris who strive to thrive with diabetes every day, and the loved ones in their lives who support them.

Help make the invisible, visible by filming your own challenge and sharing it on social media with the hashtag #BlueBalloonChallenge.

Learn more at MedtronicDiabetes.com/blue-balloon-challenge.